Soil Foodweb and Compost Biology Workshop
What would you say to a: 20-40% reduction in chemical costs, a 30-70% reduction in water use and a 20-60% increase in yield?
The Saranagati Village Community in the Venables Valley and Ted Leischner of Soil Foodweb Canada Ltd. from Alberta, cordially invite you to attend Soil and Compost Biology Workshops to learn the principles behind this innovative technology.
Most soil biology experts will agree that the presence of beneficial organisms in agricultural soil improves plant growth. There is a positive relationship between the health of life in the soil and plant production potential. Each microbe (bacterium, fungus, protozoan, nematode) is a tiny package of water, nutrients and energy. These microbes store and make nutrients in the soil available to plants and can form a productive barrier around the roots of plants. By utilizing special testing methodologies to gauge the quality and quantity of soil organisms, farmers can detect problems early, add in high quality composts, and increase their soil health and production levels.
“If you don’t know what organisms are present in your soil, much of your soil
and crop management is being left to chance†– Dr Elaine Ingham, President of
Soil Foodweb Inc., Corvallis, Oregon
Workshop format
Day 1
• An introduction to the power and importance of the living soil and soil structure.
• Overview of the soil foodweb approach, soil foodweb principles, plant succession and disturbance.
• Energy from the sun, nutrient cycling and retention, disease suppression, how to measure soil and compost biology.
• Beginning with the end in mind - Results of soil biology lab reports on Venables Valley Garden, Field and Forest Soils
Day 2
• Making biological composts, worm castings, and mulches – First Principles.
• A Quality Compost Tea Primer –Brewing, Handling and Application of compost tea.
• Include Demonstration of assessing compost tea quality using the light microscope.
Speaker and Soil Foodweb Advisor
Ted Leischner B.Sc., Lab Director, Soil Foodweb Canada Ltd. based in Vulcan, Alberta. Ted has assisted the farming community for 25 years and has worked with the leader in this field, Dr. Elaine Ingham, for the past six years. He was responsible for the establishment of the first Foodweb soil biology lab in Canada (www.soilfoodweb.ca). Ted is currently assisting the Saranagati Village Community in their quest to establish 250 acres of high value organic agriculture in the Venables Valley. The lack of abundant water resources and challenging soil conditions have led to the employment of soilweb technology as an innovative method that can be applied throughout British Columbia.
Accommodation
There are cabins available in the valley or camp sites if you so wish.
Alternatively, there are motels at Spence’s Bridge or Cache Creek.
Workshop contribution
In order to pay for the various workshop expenses, the following fees will be required:
Individuals - one day $65 or $115 for two days
Families - one day $90 or $170 for two days
We look forward to welcoming you to this workshop and the Venables Valley. For more information please contact James McComb / Bala Krishna at 250 483 7702 or Email: bforganics@yahoo.com
See Soil Foodweb Canada website for more info.
